Dolphin chairs display at Ham House
See a display of three newly-conserved Dolphin chairs, which feature in BBC Two's 'Hidden Treasures of the National Trust'. Discover how conservators at Blickling and Knole approached treating these rare pieces from the 1670s.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Visit Ham House to see a display of three Dolphin chairs, recently returned from conservation, which also feature in the new series of 'Hidden Treasures of the National Trust' on BBC Two.
Part of a set of 11 carved and gilded chairs with patterned silk covers, these pieces were commissioned by Elizabeth, Duchess of Lauderdale, during the enlargement of Ham House in the 1670s. Research suggests Jean Poictevin, a French craftsman working in Spitalfields at the time, made these impressive chairs – showing Elizabeth’s tastes were influenced by the French court.
The display will also explore how two National Trust conservation studios (the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio at Knole and the Textile Conservation Studio at Blickling) are collaborating to conserve different aspects of the chairs.
Included with admission; no booking required. The house opening time is 12-4 (last entry 3.30).
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Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Accessibility
Please note, this display is on the first floor of the house, which is accessed via stairs.
Upcoming events
Senex globes display at Ham House
A rare surviving pair of 18th-century globes return to Ham House from conservation. From 14 June to 2 November, see a display of our celestial and terrestrial globes in the Back Parlour.
BBC Hidden Treasures objects on display at Ham House
We’re in the new series of the BBC’s Hidden Treasures of the National Trust. Visit Ham House to see some of the objects which feature.
Summer of Play at Ham House and Garden
Enjoy playful family days out at Ham House and Garden from Wednesday 23 July to Sunday 31 August 2025 with Summer of Play. Free activities (normal admission applies).
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